‘I’ve been in a lot of pain’

Britain’s only men’s singles champion in more than 80 years intends to play in the season-opening major at Melbourne Park and hopes to bid farewell to his legion of fans at The All England Club in July.

But after slipping to No.230 after last year’s hip surgery, the former world No.1 said there was a chance he wouldn’t make it beyond the Open starting on Monday.

“I’m not feeling good. I’ve obviously been struggling for a long time,” the 31-year-old said.

“I’ve been in a lot of pain for probably about 20 months now.

Murray broke down announcing his retirement. Image: Getty

“I can still play to a level, (although) not a level that I’m happy playing at. But it’s not just that – the pain is too much really.

“I don’t want to continue playing that way. I’ve tried pretty much everything to get it right and that hasn’t worked.”